Grootbos Private Nature Reserve | Luxury South Africa Holidays

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01244 897 111

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Concierge

Property Details

Type: Boutique Hotel

Summary: Two luxury lodges set in a 1,000-year-old milkwood forest

Feature: Land and ocean based excursions to view wildlife

Rooms: 16 Forest Lodge Suites & 11 Garden Lodge Suites

Location: Western Cape, South Africa

Star rating: 5 Star

Nearest airport: Cape Town Airport

Transfer: 2 hours from Cape Town International Airport by private car transfer.

Luxury Holidays At Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Grootbos (meaning 'Big Forest' in Afrikaans) is a private nature reserve overlooking Walker Bay - near to the coast between Cape Town and the Garden Route - and is dedicated to the enjoyment of the Cape Floral Kingdom's extraordinary natural bounty. Choose from two luxury lodges: the classic Garden Lodge, ideal for families, and the contemporary, light-filled Forest Lodge, which is set among thousand-year-old milkwood forests and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In between, there are deserted stretches of beach, fynbos plains and wonderful vineyards to visit, as well as a range of land and ocean-based excursions to experience, which will introduce guests to the local wildlife and superb flora and fauna, including fynbos flowers and ancient milkwood trees. Grootbos is an ideal base to satisfy even the most ardent nature-lover, with friendly, expert Guides eager to share their extensive knowledge.

Property Location

Wildlife Encounters At Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Tick off your bucket list as you dive into shark-infested waters and encounter one of nature's most feared predators whilst behind the safety of a cage as your adrenaline surges. Observe the majestic Southern Right Whale in the renowned Walker Bay from on board a boat, plane or from the nearby cliffs that overlook the bay, as you see the gigantic tails strike the surface of the water. Or take a trip on a Marine Safari in one of the few places in the world to house such a wide range of marine wildlife - including the 'Marine Big Five' in their natural habitat.

Why Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is so special...

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Adventure Travel

Grootbos offers an incredible collection of experiences inspired by the spectacular surroundings, with conservation and local communities at its core. Take a trip on board an open-top Land Rover with the Botanical Safari and learn from knowledgeable guides about this floral kingdom, boasting 785 recorded plant species in 2500 hectares of unspoiled wilderness. Take to the air on a scenic experience-of-a-lifetime, spot whales frolicking in the waves, or explore amazing vineyards, shipwrecks on the shorelines and mountain peaks peeping through the clouds. Maybe you fancy a quad-bike ride through shaded forests, up mountains and down through charming valleys on an exhilarating fun-filled ride.

Green Leaf

Sustainability is a key consideration for Grootbos Private Nature Reserve . Their range of eco initiatives goes a long way in protecting South Africa for future visitors. Championing thoughtful and responsible practices whilst supporting its local community, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has been recognised for its efforts with Elegant Resorts' Green Leaf.

Spa Breaks

Set in the tranquillity of the Milkwood forest, a short walk from Forest Lodge - where you will be surrounded by the calming sound of trees swaying in the wind - or by flourishing landscaped gardens, guests can revitalise and rejuvenate after a day of exciting activities at Bloom Spa, located at Grootbos. Unwind and pamper yourself with the amazing range of treatments available, from manicures and massages, to facials and shiatsu. The beauty centre at Grootbos will leave you calmer, stronger and more centred.

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Pricing

Speak to our Luxury Travel Specialists for our latest pricing and offers.

Amenities

Beach Location
Bird-Watching
Bush Walks
DVD Player
Hiking
Horse-Riding
Kayaking
Satellite Television
Spa
Swimming Pool
Vineyard Tours
Whale Watching

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Western Cape Travel Information

Best Time To Travel

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best

Capital

Language

Time Difference

Currency

South African Rand

Voltage

230V

Climate

In general, the Western Cape experience a typically Mediterranean-style climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Spring (August to mid-October) is a wonderful time to visit, when giant carpets of wild flowers cloak the semi-arid plains and mountainsides. Summer sees months of glorious, rain-free sunshine from mid-October to mid-February. Autumn (mid-February to April) brings wonderful shades of ochres and reds sweeping across the landscapes, whilst the winter months (May to July) offer snow-capped peaks, log-burning fires and outbursts of rain. The best time to visit for whale-watching is between June and December.

Getting There

Flight Information
British Airways direct from London Heathrow to Cape Town.

Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Cape Town: 11 hours, 30 minutes.

Wildlife

A trip to the Western Cape offers a wonderful chance to see penguins and whales in their natural habitat. The best spot for watching is Boulders Beach, near Simon’s Town, where African penguins waddle between granite boulders and across white sands. For whale-watching boat tours and land-based observation, head to Hermanus in Walker Bay, a protected area and natural retreat for Southern Right Whales when they calf their young. The Cederberg Mountains also attract lovers of wildlife, with the chance to glimpse Mountain zebras, dainty antelope and birds of prey scanning the ground for lunch.

Adventure

For surfing, diving, boating, golfing, kayaking, walking, horse riding, birding and whale-watching, Walker Bay ticks every box. Another top pick for outdoorsy types are the striking Cederberg Mountains, spectacularly carved by wind. Join an organised tour and spot the Maltese Cross, the Wolfberg Arch and ancient San Rock paintings, hidden amid wonderful rock formations. Such engravings are found across South Africa and are thought to be the workings of indigenous tribes. Climb upwards for panoramic views, swim in crystalline rock pools, tour local tea farms, before stopping for a refreshing interlude at the country’s finest wine estate.

Local Sightseeing

Don’t miss the scenic drive to the tip of the Cape Peninsula for a snapshot of the Cape of Good Hope. Explore the region’s picturesque coastal towns, such as Hermanus, boasting wonky-walled fishermen’s cottages, interesting museums, swish galleries, craft markets and smart seafood restaurants. Make note of the Hermanus Wine & Food Fair in August – one of South Africa’s best.

Africa experts

Our Luxury Travel Specialists are an enthusiastic, passionate and committed group of people who are exceptionally well travelled.

Our dedicated Africa experts are ready to help you design your luxury holiday to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Furthermore, we have many Luxury Travel Specialists who've personally visited Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and can offer you their holiday and travel services as well as first-hand knowledge and experience.

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Elegant Resorts Luxury Travel Specialist

Feefo Platinum Award 2025

We are proud to have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Service Award for 2025. Platinum status is only awarded to businesses after achieving Gold status for three consecutive years. Elegant Resorts has proudly maintained Platinum status for the past five years. This independent seal of excellence recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.

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